Unlike in the years immediately following the attacks, when memorial services were given wall-to-wall media coverage, the attention after seven years has somewhat dissipated. At Ground Zero in Manhattan, the streets surrounding the hole that exposes bedrock of the towers have been closed and attendance at the ceremony was largely restricted to family members.

Around the world, 200 concerts were being held to mark 9/11 as a day to "celebrate the universal humanity" we all share. Britain's Prime Minister Gordon Brown called President Bush to pledge the continuing support of the British people for America, before attending the concert in London's Grosvenor Square.